Summary
The Indonesian record-breaking bestseller, in the tradition of Slumdog Millionaire and Shantaram.
Ikal is a student at Muhammadiyah Elementary, on the Indonesian island of Belitong, where graduating from sixth grade is considered a major achievement. His school is under constant threat of closure. In fact, Ikal and his friends - a group called the Rainbow Troops - face threats from every angle: pessimistic, corrupt government officials; greedy corporations hardly dis…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781742758589 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1742758584 |
| Author: | Andrea Hirata |
| Publisher: | Random House Australia |
| Imprint: | Vintage |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 304 |
| Release Date: | 2 January 2013 |
| Weight: | 392g |
| Dimensions: | 231mm x 154mm x 23mm |
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What They're Saying
Critics Review
“Hirata’s writing is as brilliant, beautiful, remarkable, and engrossing as the characters and the world he brings us. If you’ve ever been afraid to dream, or disbelieved in the true power of learning, read “The Rainbow Troops “and you’ll be changed by the two guardians and their small number of students, whose intelligence and vibrancy will intoxicate you. This is a treasure from one of the largest Muslim societies in the world.” –Ishmael Beah, author of “A Long Way Gone”““The Rainbow Troops “is a charming, funny, moving story about growing up and going to school on the island of Belitong in Indonesia. The Rainbow Troops are students in a poor, beleaguered village school, run by a pair of courageous and generous teachers who protect and champion their tiny class. I loved reading these stories about brave, smart, resourceful kids, set in a magical landscape that includes clouds, crocodiles, and shamans, as well as tin mining, politics, and regional school competitions.” –Roxana Robinson, author of “Cost”
About The Author
Andrea Hirata
Andrea Hirata was born in Gantong, Belitong, East Sumatra, Indonesia. He received a scholarship to study a masters degree at Sheffield Hallam University, UK, majoring in economic theory. He graduated with honours.
After finishing his studies, he returned to Indonesia and worked for Indonesia’s biggest telecommunication company, TELKOM.
In 2004, he volunteered for tsunami disaster relief in Aceh. In so doing, he saw ruined schools that reminded him of his old promise to his elementary school teacher, Muslimah. Back then, when he was in the 5th grade, he made a promise that one day he would write a book for his teacher. And thus he started writing his first novel.
The novel is called Laskar Pelangi- The Rainbow Troops and was never intended for mainstream publication. Now The Rainbow Troops is the biggest Indonesian novel ever, having sold millions of copies.
The novel has been adapted for a feature film, television series, and musical theatre.
Hirata has contributed significantly to the development of modern Indonesian literature.
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